PERFORMANCE & MILEAGE

INSTRUMENT CONSOLE

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

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Step-up Seat/Split Seat

Ducati 1199 Panigale Review

20 Sep, 2014 02:57 PM

Review

Overview

In the upcoming months, we will be witnessing the most powerful bike of Ducati ever launched in India. 1199 Panigale will try to create a new benchmark of royalty in India. Let’s try to know more about this racing machine.

Design and Style

Ducati Panigale is a full size fairing bike which redefines the meaning of sport bikes. Its front cowl is integrated in its body fairing which also features an integrated visor. The functional rear view mirrors are mounted on the side of this visor. The bike has an aggressive face thanks to the air inlets which also houses its twin LED headlight. The bike looks dynamic at night. Ducati has placed a wide and sharp body colored fender at its front which gets extended along its front beefy forks. The twin disc plates and 10-spoke alloy wheels add sporty character to this bike. The side fairing of this bike covers the engine completely and features an integrated under cowl which enhance the aerodynamics of this bike. Twin aluminium silencers are placed just below the engine of this bike. The up-raised fuel tank looks explicit with its split seat and full fairing. The rear section of Panigale has sleek sense of designing which also helps this bike to get a naked look. The LED tail light of Panigale is fitted in the air inlets similar to its front. Ducati has also equipped this bike with LED side indicators. The rear compact fender and extremely wide tyre makes this bike look macho and sporty from the back.

Instrument Console

Ducati Panigale is incorporated with an advanced digital instrument console. It has a full TFT panel with color display configuration which adjusts itself according to conditions and gives you clear vision all the time. This panel gives rider all the essential information with its in-built indicators. It also displays digital speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip-meter and fuel gauge.

Engine and Gearbox

Ducati Panigale uses L-twin cylinder, 8 valves 1198cc engine. This liquid cooled engine is capable of producing a massive power output of 195 bhp at 10750 rpm. The utmost torque output of this engine arrives at 9000 rpm which is of 132 Nm. This engine is mated with a manual six-speed gearbox which has a gear shift pattern of one gear down and five gears up-shift.

Acceleration and Performance

Panigale carries world’s most powerful twin cylinder engine. This engine can be used with three different riding modes which helps the rider to understand this engine. The throttle response of Panigale is really impressive as it uses wire connected throttle. The bike can go pass the speed of 250km/hr easily. It feels best between 150-km/hr -200km/hr. To make it even faster, Ducati has employed DQS (quick shift system) in Panigale which allows rider to change the gears quickly without using its clutch. The six-speed gearbox encourages you to rev this bike hard and it’s even necessary to do so as the maximum power of this engine arrives just below 11000rpm mark. Ducati has filled this bike with humongous amount of torque which gives it an incredible torque to weight ratio. The bike has the ability to speed up in any gear. There is minimal gear transition required in this bike as it reaches 0-100km/hr in its first gear in less than 3.5 seconds. There is no harshness in this engine and it makes great sound at high rpms. The vibrations are missing from this engine even at the speed of 250km/hr. The taller gear ratios effectively distribute power to this bike and make it surprisingly fast.

Mileage

Despite its rocking performance, the bike may return you a fuel efficiency of around 15km/ltr thanks to its tall gear ratios and light weight (188kgs).

Comfort While Driving

Being a sport bike, the bike tends to offer less seating comfort than other bikes. Apart from its seat, there is nothing much to worry about. The rear set foot pegs and low positioned handle bar gives you an aerodynamic position. The palm grip and knee grip offered by this bike is really firm and gives you control over this light machine. The switches, buttons placed on this bike are of high quality and can be easily operated by the rider. The plastic quality adds premium touch to this bike.

Storage Space and Safety Features

There isn’t much storage space in this bike. For your safety, Ducati has stuffed this bike with Ducati safety kit and Engine brake control.

Suspension and Brakes

The bike has fully adjustable front and rear suspension system. Its front telescopic forks are of 50mm while it features single sided swing arm with Sachs unit at the back. ABS is a standard part of the braking system of Panigale. It has front twin disc brakes of 330mm with radial mounted 4-piston calliper and single rear disc brake of 245mm with 2-piston calliper.

Ride and Handling

The bike has a very light handling thanks to the mass centralization and its light weight. It has an electronic steering system which helps this bike to move quickly and easily. The capable suspension system holds this bike brilliantly at high speeds and keeps it grounded all the time. In order to enhance its road grip, Ducati offers broad tyres in this bike. It has a wheelbase of 1437mm which not only improves its turning abilities but also keeps it stable around corners at high speeds. You can always play with the braking and suspension system of this bike by selecting the riding modes. The bike stays always under control and manages to impress you with its superior quality of ride and handling.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

Ducati Panigale has R17 sizes of tyres. Ducati may launch four variants of Panigale in two shades.

Verdict

The bike is yet to be launched so we are not clear about its pricing but as per speculations, Panigale will become one of the most expensive bikes available in India. The high pricing of this bike may leave many people in shock but you get ready for this Ducati’s premium sport bike.